And his return to form and Arsenal’s Premier League team could hardly have come at a better time.

Wilshere has started the Gunners’ last three league games having been forced to settle for starts in the cup competitions before that.

He has broken in to Arsene Wenger’s first choice team just after Arsenal put their Europa League campaign – where the bulk of Wilshere’s game time has come – on the back-burner and with a new contract on the agenda.

Wilshere said: “I think I’m close to my best. I think I have been getting better and better each game.

Jack Wilshere reckons he is back to his best as he prepares to take on Crystal Palace (Image: Arsenal FC/Getty Images)

Wilshere wrapped himself for training but can't wait to be unleashed at Selhurst Park (Image: Arsenal FC/Getty Images)

“Liverpool were probably the toughest opposition I have had this year and I felt good.

“I learned a lot last year about the defensive side of the game because when you play for a team like Bournemouth you don’t always have the ball and you need to be switched on defensively.

“I feel like that has really benefitted me and I’m a better player for it. I feel a lot more sure defensively and confident that if I’m going into a challenge that I’m going to win the ball. I’m happy and hopefully it can continue.”

Wilshere will be hoping for a fourth successive start against Crystal Palace and Roy Hodgson.

Hodgson is a big Wilshere fan, viewed him as one of England’s most technically gifted players when he was Three Lions boss and only picked five players more than the 25 year-old.

Wilshere said: “He was great for me, I owe him a lot because when he first became England manager I was injured for a year.